Archive Article: 2001/05/18
Farmers weekly wants to say a big thank you to everyone whos donated money and given help and support to those in need following the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Money contributed to the emergency funds is throwing a lifeline to many families. Every penny really does make a difference. People have also rallied round to support farmers, with acts of kindness offers of support and resources.
The Princes Trust Volunteers Team 44 in Hereford has given £62 to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. For the last week of their programme, the team were planning to visit Snowdonia National Park for their team challenge, but this had to be cancelled. "As a team we decided that the cause that hindered would be an ideal cause to help, so we decided to raise money for the F&M crisis," says team member Anna Storhaug. Car washing, litter picking and a raffle were among their methods. "We hope we have made some difference to your cause," says Anna.
The Yorkshire Agricul-tural Society has kick-started a special fund to help the RABI, the Farm Crisis Network and The Samaritans with a £50,000 donation. The society, which is best known as organiser of the annual Great Yorkshire Show, launched the appeal to help farmers in Yorks and the north suffering the "terrible hardship" due to F&M.
Shropshire Young Farmers raised more than £400 for the countys Rural Stress Support Network helping customers at a Telford supermarket pack their bags. "We cancelled all our events after the F&M outbreak," says county YFC chairman Phil Mann. "But by involving members who didnt come from farms and who lived near the supermarket, we decided this was a safe way of raising money. "It really does make a difference," he says of the Network, which provides free and confidential support and advice.
• Have you or someone you know put your hand in your pocket or acted in response to the current crisis. If so, let us know (020-8652 4928 or e-mail tim.relf@rbi.co.uk).